Making the Transition from a Weak to Stronger Immune System

Growing up, I was the one in the group who always got sick. In time, my random illnesses became an accepted fact among society regardless of the occasion. Whether it was a big exam, date, track meet, or family event, when I got sick, everyone would simply state, “he is sick again”, and there would be no debate but perhaps an occasional outcry, “he’s always sick!”.

Then something changed. I got older and started paying more attention to things that I never noticed before. One day I saw some guy sneeze all over his hand and then grab onto the subway pole. Another day I watched as a subway rider chow down on his cheeseburger, grabbed onto a pole, then scooped up some fries with the same hand and then licked his fingers. It was repulsive.

Then I thought about it, and I remembered that I was always catching the colds and flu of those repulsive people! The only time I washed my hands was in the shower or after a really muddy football game. I was a magnetic force for germs - and probably also passed them onto thousands of people. So to those people, I apologize. And for the record, yes my parents did raise me correctly and lectured me on washing my hands, but young, invincible men never take heed. I also extend apologies to my parents for racking up years of medical bills for such filthy carelessness.

Now I am a little too aware of my surroundings, and tend to wash my hands a little too much. Looking back, I remember I used to drink water only at times of extreme thirst. For some reason, I never drank water at any other time. Now I’m like a fish and find myself always getting for a refill of water, drinking tea every day. I’m sure this constant drinking of beneficial fluids has kept the immune system stronger, particularly when I avoid cold fluids and drink room temperature or hot beverages.

Lastly, I used to never listen to my body. When I was tired or feeling a cold come on, I’d ignore all symptoms and head out for a late night with friends (or the more popular term, “rally”). A day or two later, I would be bedridden. Now, I listen to everything my body is saying and get a good night sleep. How boring is that? I guess I have weighed my options more thoroughly and one night of partying does not justify three or more days of sickness.